Toyota 22R Engine Review History, Specs, Features (2023)

The 22R engine was the successor to the 2.2-liter 20R. The 20R, 22R and 22RE have been hugely popular with Toyota owners in North America for their workhorse reliability and reasonable power packaged in narrow four-cylinder blocks. In 1985, the 20R and 22R were powered by Celicas, which was one of Toyota’s top sellers in the late 1970s and mid-1980s.

Toyota 22R Engine Review History, Specs, Features (1)

The engines had hemispherical, vortex combustion chambers, not much different from the design of the Chrysler Hemi engine. They had efficient cross-flow heads and long 3.5-inch strokes, delivering high torque up to 187 ft-lbs. The 22R engine had round exhaust vents while the 22RE had keyhole shaped exhaust vents.

22RTE, which powered some pickups and 4Runners derived from 22RE but with a different head and block, pistons and combustion chambers have different shapes. 22RTE also featured various oil passes.

22R Engine History

Toyota Motor Corp produced the 2.4-liter 22-cylinder 22R engine from 1981 to 1995 and introduced its fuel-injected version of the 22RE in 1982.The turbocharged 22RTE engine had a short production run from 1985 to 1988. The engine underwent significant changes in 1985 to address timing chain problems. As a result, many 22RE parts are incompatible with pre-1985 22R and 22RE engines.

There were several differences between the 22R and 22RE engines after 1984, apart from the 22RE with fuel injection. In addition to the Celica, the 22R engine ran a 1981 Toyota Corona, a 1981-1985 Hilux pickup, a 1981-1985 pickup, and a 1984 4Runner. The 22RE was equipped with a 1985-1995 Hilux, a 1985-1995 standard pickup and a 1985-195 4Runner.

22R Engine Specs

From 1985 to 1988, the 22RE was produced with a maximum output of 105 horsepower at 4800 rpm. The maximum torque reached 137 at 2800 rpm. It had a displacement of 2,366 cc. The compression of the engine was 9.3 to 1, with an bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 89 mm.

From 1989 to 1995, Toyota made the engine a little more powerful. The maximum power was increased to 112 at 4600 rpm. The maximum torque has been increased to 142 at 3400 rpm. Displacement remained at 2366 cc. Cm, as well as compression at 9.3 to 1, bore at 92 mm and travel at 89 mm.

The 22R engine carburetor, from 1981 to 1990, developed 72 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. From 1990 to 1995, the 22R generated 81 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque. The 22RE produced 78 horsepower and a rated torque of 185 ft-lb in 1983, and then in 1985 increased to 84 horsepower and 192 ft-lb of torque.

Toyota had different power ratings. The turbocharged 22RTE produced 101 horsepower and 234 lb-ft of torque. Both the 22R engine and 22RE had 9: 1 compression ratios. Carburetors were changed during production. The 22R originally featured a standard 326 cfm single-barrel carburetor. However, owners can also equip their 22R with a 325 cfm single-barrel Weber.

22RE And 22REC Engine Differences

Toyota’s 22RE and 22REC four-cylinder engines from 1982 to 1995 were virtually identical. The difference between the two engines is that the 22REC met Californian emission equipment standards, which mainly consist of additional vacuum hoses and emission control valves. Horsepower and torque remained the same between the two engines.

Toyota’s 2.4-liter 22R series engine debuted in 1981, and the fuel-injected 22RE arrived in 1982. 22RE is a fuel-injected version of the 22R engine. The engines remained in production until 1995. The turbo version received the designation 22RET or 22RTE. but only saw production from 1985 to 1988. The 22REC, designated the engine, met all California emissions requirements.

The 22RE and 22REC engines produced 105 to 112 horsepower and 187 to 192 pounds depending on the model year. The compression ratio throughout the production run was 9.3 to 1. The bore was 3.62 inches and the stroke was 3.50 inches. Toyota installed the 22RE and 22REC in 1985 and 1995 Hilux trucks and North American compact pickups, the 1983-1985 Celica coupe, and the midsize 4Runner SUV from 1985 to 1995.

Toyota refined its 2.2-liter 20R engine and the later 22R engine, which was produced from 1975 to 1995, with fuel-injected electronic versions. They were Toyota’s workhorses. The 22RE and 22REC engines from 1985 and later had a taller block and shorter heads.

The engine used hemispherical combustion chambers, designed by analogy with the muscular Chrysler Hemi engines. Cross-flow, wedge-shaped heads and pistons provide a more even flow of air / fuel mixture through the chamber for more combustion, thereby increasing productivity. This also resulted in cleaner emissions.

22RE Engine Features

Unlike the 22REC, the 22RE has a relatively simple vacuum and valve system. At the back of the engine was an Exhaust Gas Recirculation, or EGR, and an EGR modulator. A vacuum hose connected the EGR to the bimetallic vacuum changeover valve at the front of the engine. The 22RE also features a dashboard, emission control device that helps burn fuel when the throttle is closed and connected to a vacuum transfer valve.

22REC Engine Features

If the 22REC ejection equipment were removed, it would be identical to the 22RE. However, sitting side by side with all of its emissive details, the 22REC was easily distinguished from the 22RE. The 22REC shipped with the same hardware as the 22RE plus many other vacuum components.

To familiarize themselves with California’s environmental regulations, Toyota has added an auxiliary booster pump, chopper chopper, hot air intake and mixture control systems, and a vacuum valve control system. The automaker also equipped the 22REC with an external air vent control valve, resonator, two vacuum switches and a pair of thermal switches.

22R Engine Problems & Reliability

22R Engine Problems

  • The 22R engine problems with the ignition system, more often than others the distributor worries here.
  • On a run of 150 – 200 thousand km, the timing chain often stretches and starts to make noise.
  • In all other respects, this is a very reliable engine with a resource of about half a million km.
  • There are no hydraulic compensators here and periodically you need to adjust the valve clearances.
  • The main difficulties for the owners are caused by a competent carburetor setting.

22R-TE Engine Problems

  • Firstly, this is a very rare turbo engine, there will be problems with service and spare parts.
  • Its second drawback is considered to be high fuel consumption: up to 25 liters in the city.
  • Weak points also include the ignition system, most often the distributor fails here.
  • At high mileage, the timing chain is often stretched here and the turbine drives the oil.
  • Since there are no hydraulic lifters, valves need to be adjusted every 100 thousand km.

22R-E Engine Problems

  • Malfunctions of the bladed mass air flow sensor lead to a sharp increase in fuel consumption.
  • A lot of problems are caused by an outdated ignition system and especially a distributor.
  • Even up to 150,000 km, the timing chain can stretch and make a lot of noise.
  • And so it is a very reliable engine with a huge resource up to half a million km.
  • Valve adjustment is required every 100,000 km, there are no hydraulic lifters.

Conclusion

The Toyota 22R engine 2.4-liter carbureted engine was produced in Japan from 1981 to 1997 and was installed on such popular models of the company as the 4Runner, Hilux and Land Cruiser J70. This engine was seriously updated in 1990 and its power increased by more than 10 hp. The 2.4-liter Toyota 22RE injection engine was produced by the concern from 1982 to 1997 and was installed on SUVs and pickups such as 4Runner and Hilux, as well as passenger cars such as Corona.

This engine was seriously updated in 1985; many parts of the two revisions of the unit are incompatible. The Toyota 22R-TE 2.4-liter turbo engine was produced at the factory in Japan from 1985 to 1988 and was installed on only two models: the Hilux pickup in the N50 body and the 4Runner SUV in the N60 body. This is a very rare power unit and is practically not found in our secondary market.

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